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Summary Writing

Today’s Walking Classroom podcast looks at how to write an effective summary. There is a simple formula for writing a summary: Somebody …wanted…but…so… For example, Carmen wanted to play outside but it was raining, so she read a book instead. Writing an effective summary involves adding enough detail for the reader to grasp the key concepts without including unnecessary details.

Health Message: Injuries and recovery time
Character Value: Responding appropriately

Click for Standards Alignment

Common Core

L–Language | SL–Speaking and Listening | RI–Reading: Informational | RL–Reading: Literature | W–Writing | RH–6-8 Literacy in History/Social Studies | RST–6-8 Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects Elementary School:
RL.3.2, RI.3.3, SL.3.1, SL.3.4
RL.4.2, RI.4.2, SL.4.1, SL.4.4
RL.5.2, RI.5.2, SL.5.1, SL.5.4
Middle School: br />RL.6.2, RI.6.2, W.6.2, SL.6.1, SL.6.4
RL.7.2, RI.7.2, W.7.2, SL.7.1, SL.7.4
RL.8.2, RI.8.2, W.8.2, SL.8.1, SL.8.4

Supplemental Resource Links and Downloads

Quiz: (Make sure you're already logged into your Gmail account, then click to copy this Google form to your Google Drive. Quiz keys are here.)
Summary Writing Google Quiz https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Bn2wreS4krxtMQvlcwiqEiZQubwrLbZUSj_hic-EoNY/copy

Slide Deck:
Summary Writing Slide Deck https://thewalkingclassroom.box.com/s/f5pnqws2nluqtse6u7ex3u8ghjdwaym2

Related Videos:


Writing a Summary
9:00

Shares how to write a summary in five easy steps.


Charlie Chaplin in the Lion’s Cage: The Circus (1928)
3:35

Summarizes a story told visually through a silent film starring Charlie Chaplin.

Additional Resources:


Slime in Space
Virtual Field Trip

Summarize the content of this video using summary writing skills. Note: This can be done for videos on other topics as well.


Summarizing Game
Online Activity

Watch a video and summarize what the characters said.


Cereal Box Book Project
Multi-Day Project

Complete a project summarizing major plot elements of a book, using a cereal box to display the information.


Summary and Main Idea
Printable or Worksheet

Read short excerpts and accurately summarize the text on this ereadingworksheets.com printable.


Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Summary
Hands-on Activity

Practice summarizing using Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in this Teacher Vision activity.

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